Hyperthermia-sensitive Liposomes Containing Brucea Javanica Oil for Synergistic Photothermal-/Chemo-Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment

Introduction: High mortality and limited therapeutic efficacy of clinical treatment make breast cancer a stubborn disease in women. The hypovascular issue is the main challenge needed to be overcome in breast cancer treatment. Methods: For this purpose, hyperthermia-sensitive liposomes containing indocyanine green (ICG) and brucea javanica oil (BJO) (LP(BJO/ICG)) were constructed for near-infrared (NIR) laser-induced photothermal- /chemo-antitumor therapy. ICG, an FDA-approved photothermal agent, was employed in this study to perform photothermal therapy (PTT) effect as well as relieve hypovascular conditions in breast cancer tissue. Results: BJO triggered release from the hyperthermia-sensitive LP (BJO/ICG) due to disassembly of liposomes under the PTT effect caused by ICG under NIR laser irradiation. It was found that mice in LP (BJO/ICG) group showed the slowest tumor growth under NIR laser irradiation, illustrating the strongest antitumor effect among all groups. Conclusion: This responsive-release drug delivery platform can be a promising candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.